Gab Valenciano opens up about mental health struggles, previous suicide attempts

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Gab Valenciano spoke up about the "growing epidemic" that is suicide.

"As of today, one person dies every forty seconds by suicide. That is not a good statistic at all. I would have been part of that statistic, twice, if not for the grace of God and love for my family and friends," he freely admitted in an Instagram post.

 

 

 

 

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World Suicide Prevention Day isn’t just a day where we celebrate victories of those who have survived, instead, it is an awareness day where we magnify the importance and significance of how to deal with this growing epidemic. As of today, one person dies every forty seconds by suicide. That is not a good statistic at all. I would have been part of that statistic, twice, if not for the grace of God and love for my family and friends. Hanging from the twenty second floor of a condominium, deliberately hurting myself and substance abuse could have been the end of my story, but I believe that my failed attempts had a greater calling, and that calling is to reach out and help as many people as I can who are struggling with mental health issues, through empathy and compassion. Please everyone, there are people willing to listen and help. It doesn’t need to end this way. The only way to battle this is to fight together so fight with us. Surround yourself with the right people and feed your soul with the right content. You can do this. Stay alive, my dear friends. You are enough and you are worth it. The Philippine Suicide Hotline is 896-9191 or 0917-854- 9191. #suicideprevention #worldsuicidepreventionday

A post shared by Gabriel Valenciano (@gabvalenciano) on

Sep 11, 2019 at 5:32am PDT

The singer-actor talked about his past attempts to take his own life and posted photos showing cuts on his arms and a hospital tag labeling him as a "fall risk."

Gab said that his failed attempts made way for a greater calling.

"I believe that my failed attempts had a greater calling, and that calling is to reach out and help as many people as I can who are struggling with mental health issues, through empathy and compassion," he said.

He told those who are struggling that there are people willing to listen and help, and to surround themselves with the right people.

 

 

 

 

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I just want to take this time to honor my doctor, Psychiatrist, Dr. Ed Tolentino. He was one of the doctors I saw when I first opened my eyes after being rushed to the hospital early last year. And over a year later, I will let my mental progress speak for itself. I am extremely blessed and fortunate to have found someone who genuinely cares. Yes, it’s his job to help correct and guide mental anomalies, but beyond his profession, I consider him a friend. I understand that this is a very sensitive matter, and to some very private. But personally, I can’t go on without acknowledging and appreciating people who have helped me grow exponentially, let alone live beautifully and overcome powerfully. Do not be ashamed to seek help. Be proud even. Recognizing that you may need help is the first step to recovery. It isn’t a sign a weakness, instead, a hint of greatness waiting to be realized. And boy does it feel incredible. Thank you so much for everything, Doc! Mental health is wealth! See you next month. ???????? #YouAreEnough #FightTheStigma

A post shared by Gabriel Valenciano (@gabvalenciano) on

Sep 3, 2019 at 11:41pm PDT

"Please everyone, there are people willing to listen and help. It doesn’t need to end this way. The only way to battle this is to fight together so fight with us," he said.

"You can do this. Stay alive, my dear friends. You are enough and you are worth it," he added.

The Philippine Suicide Hotline is 896-9191 or 0917-854- 9191.

—JCB, GMA News